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Happy hour of the week in Singapore: Cheap martinis at these bars and restaurants in the city

Enjoy happy hour deals on the classic martini, shaken or stirred, dirty or perfect at these spiffy cocktail bars

There are two reasons why I order a martini at a bar. One, it’s hard to go wrong with one of the tastiest classic gin cocktails endorsed by the International Bartender Association, and two, who doesn’t want an excuse to make like 007 and say “shaken, not stirred”? But the best part? You don’t even have to live the luxurious life of Bond, ’cos here’re five bars where you can get your martini fix without breaking the bank.

Martini Bar @ Mezza 9

With over 50 signature martinis (pandan martini, pictured above), this glitzy bar never fails to give us a case of decidophobia whenever we’re there. To keep our heads from spinning, we like to stick to the classic martini that’s 50 per cent off Monday through Friday, from 6pm to 9pm. Happy hour starts at 3pm on Saturday if you’re in the mood for an afternoon tipple.

Tanuki Raw

Martinis and oysters are a decadent pairing, so it’s no wonder this Orchard Central institution gets packed after work. The daily happy hour from 5pm-8pm not only includes $10 martinis and cocktails, but freshly shucked oysters at $2 apiece as well. And of course, if it’s drinks and dinner you’re after, don’t miss out on the decadent bowl of truffle yakiniku donburi.

This cosy bar’s your best bet for date night with a couple of martinis (Photo credit: Alley Bar via Facebook)

Alley Bar

This narrow, cosy bar is an ideal spot for date night, especially if a couple of cocktails are on your agenda. Take your main squeeze here, and class it up without racking up a bill with the $9.90++ martini of the day between 5pm and 9pm daily.

Acid Bar

Just next to Alley Bar is its livelier neighbour, Acid Bar. Aside from being a rowdy hangout to appease our post-work thirst and its daily live music sessions, Acid Bar also offers daily happy hour deals. From 5pm to 9pm, you can enjoy the sweet sounds of Acid Bar’s live bands and grab a tasty Martini at $9.90++.

No. 5 Emerald Hill

So you’re working late for the third time in a row and want to unwind over a well-made drink? Just across from Alley Bar is this sexy Peranakan-inspired joint with a killer one-for-one happy hour martini offer from 9pm to 1am daily. Hungry? Then definitely take advantage of the bar bites menu and try favourites like the prawn paste chicken.

Dinesh Ajith

Dinesh is a pop culture junkie with a penchant for puns, alliteration and witty one-liners. When not watching Blade Runner for the millionth time, he can be found perched over a bowl of bak chor mee at the nearest coffee shop.